Caledonia — At the former Dutton Elementary, Amelia Warner often spent recess watching her classmates play on the playground. Uneven mulch and grass prevented her wheelchair from rolling smoothly to join in the fun.
Days before starting third grade, Amelia joined several students on a brand new merry-go-round — submerged in the ground to allow for wheelchairs to ride without assistance — on the more inclusive, barrier-free playground behind the brand new Dutton Elementary.
Located at 7700 Patterson Ave. SE, the new 60,000-square-foot school features more classrooms, larger instructional spaces and air conditioning, much to teachers’ relief who were used to teaching in the typical back-to-school heat.
“This is the first year I didn’t have to take my jacket off while decorating and moving into my new classroom,” said Amy Kuppler, special education teacher.
The project started with site acquisition and permitting funded by the May 2020 bond. Voters passed a supplemental bond in May 2023, which dedicated an additional $40 million to completing the vision of a new Dutton and other district projects.
Two years ago, Dutton Principal Shawn Veitch gathered with his staff, students and community members to break ground on their new building.
“We have designed this new building to specifically meet our students’ needs,” he said, “from a barrier-free playground to a school building where all students can access the entire building (and) we can all come together as one.”
That goal became reality for current and future Dutton students when the completed building opened its doors to families and the community on August 20. The more inclusive playground was also made possible by a $60,000 donation from Amazon.
Dutton continues to serve kindergarten through fourth grade and Kent ISD’s Great Start Readiness Program, with classrooms for students with cognitive impairments, music, art and Spanish.
Veitch said opening the new school was exciting for many reasons, because it is “more than walls and classrooms; it is a place for connection, belonging and growth.”
He added, “What warms my heart most is knowing that our playground was built so every child, regardless of ability, can be independent and experience the joy of playing alongside their peers.”
Amelia’s mom, Anne Warner, said she was excited for everything about the new Dutton Elementary, both inside and outside of the building.
“This playground is so much smoother for (Amelia) to wheel across, there are ramps to get onto the play structure and no barriers for her to play with other kids,” she said.
The school’s hallways are wider, with little to no carpet for Amelia’s wheelchair to catch on and slow her down. At one point during their visit, Anne had to tell her daughter, “No speeding.”
“She is able to maneuver herself, which is great, instead of someone having to push her around, and she can be more independent.” Anne Warner said. “I’m so excited to see her development this year, and I hope she’ll become more engaged with her classmates with fewer barriers.”
At the recent ribbon cutting, Veitch said it was the “greatest honor of his life” to lead the school.
“I feel like a proud dad of every student who comes through Dutton’s doors, and your kids will be loved here,” he told attendees.
Superintendent Dirk Weeldreyer commemorated the former Dutton Elementary and expressed his hopes for the future.
“Now this facility will stand for decades as a place where every child is safe, inspired and included,” Weeldreyer said. “Its true legacy will be written by the students who learn here, the staff who guide them and the community that continues to support them.”
Read more from Caledonia:
• New crochet club at Kraft Meadows has students hooked
• New Cal Community Center a ‘vision come to life’
